How to Safely Carry Out Tree Felling

Tree Felling is the process of cutting down trees for various reasons including clearing land for development, harvesting timber and removing a tree that has become unsafe. The operation is a dangerous task that requires specialised equipment and expertise to be carried out safely.

A faulty felling can cause significant damage and risk to property and life, therefore it is essential that every effort is made to ensure the operation is completed safely. This includes a thorough inspection of the tree and surrounding area, along with compliance with standards for work positioning and felling techniques. A single mistake during a felling operation can lead to severe injury or death for the sawyer and/or bystanders.

Tree felling involves the use of a chainsaw, axe or wedges to cut through the base of the tree and cause it to fall in a controlled manner. This can be done manually or mechanically. Manual felling is often used for small trees or those in hard-to-reach areas where heavy machinery cannot be deployed. This method also allows for the preservation of the root ball and stump, resulting in a higher quality log for furniture and construction.

The first step in a successful felling operation is to identify the desired fall direction. This is usually determined by looking at the lean of the tree, its crown snow load and any pockets of rotten wood. A good rule of thumb is that the fall direction should not be towards buildings, roads or other valued targets.

Next, the tree sawyer must prepare for the fall by removing all potential obstacles. This includes ensuring that there is a clear path of escape for when the tree begins to fail during the cutting operation. This should be at least 2.0 times the height of the subject tree’s base and should extend away from any persons or structures in the vicinity.

A final preparation is to select the right forestry equipment for the task at hand. The correct working equipment will enable the sawyer to operate in a more efficient manner, reduce the amount of force required and minimise the chance of failure. It is particularly important to use plastic wedges instead of metal to avoid dulling the saw chain. Additionally, the STIHL axe designed for felling should be used – this tool is specifically built for the operation and is much less likely to dull the blade when compared to other axes.

The final step is to perform the felling. A specialised technique involves making a notch cut into the base of the tree, followed by an undercut a few inches above the notch and finally a back cut that weakens the base and guides the direction of fall. Once these steps are complete, the tree will begin to collapse and will eventually fall into a predetermined location. It is also vital that the felling area is completely cleared after the felling operation to avoid any possible obstructions, debris or fallen limbs that could pose hazards in the future.

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